View the current mortgage rate, payment, and cost.

Yes, the rates displayed are based on current market conditions and the information you provide, such as your credit score and loan details. While they offer a close estimate, your final rate may vary based on additional factors during the application process.

The calculator provides real-time estimates, but rates can fluctuate due to market changes. You'll need to lock in a specific rate during the loan application process to secure it.

Yes, the calculator provides an estimate based on current information. Actual rates can change due to market conditions or changes in your financial profile until a rate lock is in place.

Yes. Factors like a higher credit score,  larger down payment, changing your income, or choosing a shorter loan term can qualify you for lower rates.

Talk to a mortgage expert at NewCastle Home Loans.  We can provide the lowest rate, payment, and out-of-pocket cost for your home purchase. 

Start shopping for a mortgage when you're "under contract" to buy a house. Under contract means you made an offer on the property, and the seller accepted it. 

When you're under contract, the sale has yet to be finalized, as there are often contingencies and other conditions that must be met before the deal can close.

Depending on the sales contract terms, you typically have 15 to 60 days to close. This gives you time to complete due diligence on the property, such as an attorney review, a home inspection, and shopping for a mortgage.

A rate lock is an agreement between you and a mortgage lender. The lender agrees to give you an interest rate with certain fees for a specific time. In return, you agree to accept the lender's rate and fees and close the loan before the lock expires.

For example, let's say the lender offers a $400,000 loan at 6% with $1,000 in origination fees for 40 days. By locking, you accept the lender's terms, and the lender agrees to hold the rate at 6% for 40 days.

When you're ready, tell the lender to lock the interest rate. They won't automatically do it for you. The interest rate is floating until you lock it. Floating means the rate can change depending on market conditions. 

Mortgage Rate Lock | How an interest rate lock works

You can lock in your mortgage interest rate after finding a home, making an offer to buy it, and signing a sales contract.

We recommend locking the interest rate soon after you're under contract.  Then, you have all the information the lender needs to complete your application and secure the interest rate, such as the property address, purchase price, loan amount, and closing date. 

The best time to get pre-approved for a mortgage is between 1 and 4 months before buying a home.

Get started on your mortgage pre-approval by using our mortgage calculator.  Or, skip ahead and get your pre-approval letter right now.

Your mortgage pre-approval letter is good for 4 months from the date we check your credit report. After 4 months, your credit expires, and so does your pre-approval.

We'll update your pre-approval for another 4 months if you're still looking for a home to buy. Updating the pre-approval is easy. First, we recheck your credit and reverify your financial information. Then, you get a new pre-approval letter, so you can take advantage of every opportunity.

No. You only need one strong mortgage pre-approval letter to include with your offer to buy a house.

Make sure the lender's underwriter verifies your financial information and signs it. Otherwise, sellers and agents feel uneasy about an uncertain outcome. As a result, you're less likely to win the deal, especially when competing with other buyers.

You're in the right place for a strong pre-approval letter. We confirm your information upfront, so you'll receive a personalized letter signed by our underwriter.